Newberry County, SC, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Newberry County, S.C. is set to propose new regulations for subdivision developments aimed at preserving its historically significant farmland. The proposal includes a 100-foot buffer around neighborhoods and a minimum of 15% of land designated as open space. While some residents support these measures for farmland preservation, others call for more amenities, highlighting the need to balance growth with agricultural identity. The county council is scheduled to review the proposal on September 17.
Newberry County, S.C. is preparing to implement stricter regulations for subdivision developments in an effort to preserve its historically significant farmland. As interest from developers in the county’s open lands for housing increases, county leaders are proposing new rules that aim to manage this growth while maintaining the agricultural identity that has long defined Newberry County.
The new regulations under consideration would require developers to establish a 100-foot buffer around any new neighborhood. Additionally, at least 15% of land in new developments must be designated as open space. These measures aim to influence the location and nature of new developments while ensuring that the farmland, crucial to the county’s identity, remains intact.
Council Chairman Robert Shealy has emphasized the necessity of balancing farmland preservation with the needs of residents who may seek housing options within the area. The proposed rules are designed to slow down development rather than halt it completely, acknowledging both the desire for growth and the importance of protecting farmland.
The local community has shown mixed reactions to the proposed regulations. While some residents support the plan for its focus on farmland preservation, there is also a call for more amenities, such as grocery stores, to accommodate the growing population. Resident Beth Jaeger has pointed out the importance of finding a way to support population growth while also safeguarding the agricultural landscape.
Meanwhile, the Newberry County Council is set to meet on Wednesday, Sept. 17, for a first reading of the proposed plan. Subsequent readings will be crucial, with the potential for enforcement of the new regulations to begin as early as November or before the end of this year. The Assistant City Manager has also highlighted the ongoing residential developments in the county, including a subdivision on Hillbrook Lane that aims to provide approximately 90 single-family homes.
Another development, Parkview Estates, is moving forward following a recently signed contract with a developer near the Newberry Recreation Complex. Additionally, a conceptual site plan for 40 homes on Pender Ridge Road is under consideration, with plans to initiate work by October. An 80-acre property on Dixie Drive has returned to the market after a previous sale fell through, while the council has approved a petition to annex a 13-acre lot at 206 Pender Ridge Road, potentially yielding about 40 residential sites with access to city utilities.
Concerns have emerged regarding the potential increase in traffic due to new developments, raised by neighboring property owners during public comments. The council has recently passed first readings for several new ordinances, including restrictions on container homes within the city limits. In related news, the City of Newberry is embarking on its redistricting process in compliance with the Census, ensuring equitable representation.
April has been designated as Fair Housing Month, alongside discussions around the possibility of allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas for upcoming community events. The community also received notifications of additional stoplights being installed on Exit 76 off I-26 and the recent graduation of new staff members from the police department. Finally, the City of Newberry has proudly achieved its Tree City USA designation for the fourth consecutive year.
FAQ Section
FAQs
What are the proposed regulations for subdivision developments in Newberry County?
The proposed regulations would require developers to maintain 100-foot buffers around new neighborhoods and dedicate at least 15% of land in new developments as open space.
What is the purpose of these regulations?
The aim of the new regulations is to influence the location and nature of new developments while preserving farmland essential to the county’s identity.
When is the first reading of the new plan scheduled?
The county council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Sept. 17, for a first reading of the new plan.
What recent residential developments are in the pipeline for Newberry County?
Recent developments include a subdivision on Hillbrook Lane for approximately 90 single-family homes and Parkview Estates, along with ongoing plans for 40 homes on Pender Ridge Road.
How are residents reacting to the proposed regulations?
Some residents express support for the proposal while also wanting more amenities such as grocery stores.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Buffer Requirement | 100-foot around new neighborhoods |
| Open Space Requirement | 15% of land in new developments |
| Council Meeting Date | Wednesday, Sept. 17 |
| Recent Development Projects | 90 homes on Hillbrook Lane, 40 homes on Pender Ridge Road |
| Community Concerns | Increase in traffic from new developments |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLTX News: Newberry County Subdivision Regulations
- Legacy: Harold Folk Obituary
- Main Street Daily News: Jonesville Development Plan Approved
- Gainesville: Commercial Developments in Jonesville
- Newberry Observer: City Council Development Updates
- Wikipedia: Newberry County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Newberry County Subdivision Regulations
- Google Scholar: Newberry County Development Regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newberry County
- Google News: Newberry County Developments
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
